Local Somalis don't recognize name on Kenya mall attack list

Despite a CNN report that one of the men linked to the mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya, is a 27-year-old man from Kansas City, two leaders of the local Somali community said they don't recognize his name.

After Saturday's attacks, the group that claimed responsibility, al-Shabab, said three Americans were among the mall attackers. One of the names was Gen Mustafe Noorudiin of Kansas City, Mo.

Two leaders of the Somali Bantu Foundation of Kansas City said the name draws a blank with them.

"We know all the Somalis living here," said Omar Mohamed, the secretary for the group. "We all know each other. We never had that name."

U.S. government officials said they have also not been able to confirm reports that any Americans were involved in the attack, which killed at least 62 people.

Yusef Abdi of the Kansas City Somali Foundation said al-Shabab is a criminal organization.

"They're terrorists. No one supports them," he said, adding that he's in regular communication with relatives in Somalia who feel the same way.

Mohamed and Abdi said there are about 8,000 Somalis in the Kansas City area. Many spent time as refugees in Kenya before coming to the United States. They said they worry that the mall attack will prompt Kenya to turn its back on chaotic Somalia.

"Kenya should not turn against Somalis because of this group," Abdi said. "We have a long-lasting relationship with Kenya. We love Kenya. They supported us when we needed support."

Parkville's Park University has about 30 Kenyans attending school there.

Senior Daniel Tubei has made a name for himself as a distance runner for Park. He said he has a friend who was injured in the attack.